21st Century Sexual Immorality

Supreme Court
 
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March 01, 2013

"21st Century Sexual Immorality"

Scripture Reading:
1 Corinthians 7:2 (HCSB) But because sexual immorality is so common, each man should have his own wife, and each woman should have her own husband.

Devotional Reading:
A hot topic that continues to be in the news is marriage — or should we say a re-definition of marriage, especially in the weeks ahead.  The Supreme Court (of man) will be weighing on on this issue.  It could mean the legalization of same sex marriage in all 50 states, with an overturn of Prop 8 and DOMA.  In every culture, for thousands of years, marriage has been defined as a commitment between a man and a woman. Never, though, has marriage been defined as a same-sex union. Now, in the 21st century, some so-called enlightened men and women have decided that society and laws should be changed to re-define marriage.  The idea of marriage originated with God when He created man and woman. In its origin, marriage was intended to be between one man and one woman. God’s word gives two reasons for the ideal: companionship and pro-creation. You can read more about it in Genesis 1-2, the first book of the Bible. Thus began the family as God intended. Has 21st century man become so arrogant and selfish that we suddenly decide to redefine what God has ordained? I hope not, but I fear we have.  Think about it, "Can an electrician wire a house without male and female ends or a plumber, plumb without male and female adapters and couplers"?  Of course this will not work, so why does man believe they are smarter than God when it comes to what works?

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

False and/or Fake

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February 28, 2013

"False and/or Fake"

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 24:24 (HCSB) False messiahs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

Devotional Reading:
Years ago, it should have been easy for members of his cult to know that leader David Koresch was lying when he claimed to be Jesus - he wore glasses! Jesus was perfect, and surely wouldn't need Coke bottles sitting on the end of his nose! Unfortunately, false prophets and false teachings aren't always that easy to spot.  We can learn how to identify false teachings by seeing how Treasury agents are taught to spot counterfeit money. Agents spend many days doing nothing but just looking at piles of real money. Agents carefully study authentic bills, saturating themselves in true currency and its features. And then, when a counterfeit is introduced, it is so obvious to the agent that the bad bill practically jumps out of the stack!  It works the same way with identifying false teachings. If you study the Word of God, learn the Word of God, and know the Word of God, you're able to discern false teaching when it comes along. The best way to identify a false prophet is to know the real Christ.

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Man's Purpose

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February 27, 2013

"Man's Purpose"

Scripture Reading:
Romans 1:25 (HCSB) Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.”

Devotional Reading:
What is the purpose of man?  The answer is on page one of the Bible. It says "and God created man in His own image." What does it mean to be in the image of God? It doesn't mean physical appearance, but it does mean in God's likeness.  We can think like God. We can reason. We are creative.  We are to rule over creation. We need to care for it, protect it, and use it in a way that is pleasing to God.  We are spiritual beings. Unlike the animals, we can worship God. God desires a personal relationship with us.  We are moral beings. Man deals with right and wrong. The best way for us to do this is to obey God's Word in faith.  If we submit to God, we reflect His nature. But when we don't, we look more like beasts. Understanding this, does your life reflect the image of God or are you more like an animal?

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Sweet Name of Truth

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February 26, 2013

"Sweet Name of Truth"

Scripture Reading:
Romans 1:25 (HCSB) They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served something created instead of the Creator, who is praised forever.   Amen.

Devotional Reading:
Several years ago, a Texas school board required high school science textbooks to have a sticker attached. This sticker said simply, "This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully, and critically considered."  Notice that there was nothing in the sticker that advocated a belief in God. Neither did it even mention Creationism. It simply advised the students to ask questions and form their beliefs based on what they conclude from the evidence. This was really all about good education, about considering different theories with an open mind, which is a part of learning, to be able to consider different outlooks about life. Despite this, the federal courts demanded that these simple stickers be removed from all textbooks.  Education is about the free flow of ideas. When you have a theory as controversial as evolution then certainly part of a good education is considering diverse views. In addition, the scientific method itself demands skepticism and examination. Good science requires that theories stand up to probing questions. Why do evolutionists fear similar questioning? What do they have to fear? Truth has no fear. Is there really any difference with the Nazi book burners and how some scientists, educators, and government officials respond to alternative theories concerning evolution? The mindset is the same.  Open-minded people don't fear the truth - they seek it. And when they truly seek Truth, they find God.  People with closed minds fear the name of Jesus.  Much like the demons that tremble at the mere mention of His name, Jesus..."sweetest name I know"!

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

All Things Are Possible

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February 25, 2013

"All Things Are Possible"

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 19:26 (HCSB) But Jesus looked at them and said, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Devotional Reading:
When Saul looked at the outward appearance of David, he immediately doubted his ability to fight the massive soldier. This attitude did not dampen David's enthusiasm. He related his personal experiences with a powerful God Who enabled him to overcome the attacks of vicious, wild animals upon the flock that he was shepherding. On one occasion, he actually took the lamb out of the mouth of the wild beast and then proceeded to kill the attacking animal — a close encounter indeed!  Today, many of us are facing great difficulties of a totally different nature, but equally as dangerous in many aspects: a financial situation, a serious health condition, or a difficult relationship with a close family member, assaults on our faith and beliefs.  Whatever the largeness of our difficulty, we can place our trust in the same God Whom David trusted and Who proved His faithfulness.  David ran towards his enemy unafraid, with his small weapon in hand, declaring that the battle was the Lord's. Today, we look back and see the many stepping stones upon which we have stood in the past, remembering their uneven, slippery surface and the splashing, angry waters of our circumstances, which, somehow, did not reach the little platform upon which we stood. As we call upon the name of Jesus, the Son of the living God, like David did as he overcame his giant, so we also shall overcome our seemingly impossible circumstances. Although we cannot see the future, we know that amid the deep waters before us, there are many stepping stones, and we step forward in faith, knowing that with God, nothing is impossible.

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Good the Bad and the Ugly

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February 22, 2013

"The Good, the Bad and the Ugly"

Scripture Reading:
Hebrews 9:27 (HCSB) And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment—

Devotional Reading:
The book of Revelation can be a bit unsettling, can't it? It speaks of some pretty scary images before the return of Jesus Christ. The whole period conjures up scenes of plagues, giant horsemen with rather crude names, and souls trembling in fear. Jesus even promised that this time he would come as a lion, not a lamb. For those who have not accepted Christ, there is a legitimate reason to be fearful of the return of Christ. There’s fear that you haven’t done enough, because the fact is you haven’t done enough. Unless you have been perfect, you have not done enough. And sure enough when that time comes, and Christ returns again, it will be a time of dread and fear. Because there will be the realization that you have missed out on the incredible gift of salvation that God offers in Jesus Christ. So, why is it the Christian has no dread of the rapture? It is because we know that Christ has borne our sins. He has taken upon himself the judgment that we deserve; because of His sacrifice we will be spared those horrid consequences. Instead of the dread of His return, there is actually a longing for it to happen. When you think of Christ’s second coming, is it good, bad or ugly?

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Must Be Born Again

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February 21, 2013

"Must Be Born Again"

Scripture Reading:
John 3:3-5 (HCSB) Jesus replied, “I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.  But how can anyone be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked Him. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born?” Jesus answered, “I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.

Devotional Reading:
How can a man be born when he is old?  This question was asked of the young prophet from Nazareth by a wealthy, well respected citizen of Jerusalem.  The Temple had just been cleansed by Jesus and Nicodemus had a question...  This teacher of the law came to be a student and had no idea of the revolutionary answer he was about to receive.  There was no compromise in Jesus words.  In a matter of about a dozen words, Jesus rocked the very foundation Nicodemus had come to learn and understand.  This awoke in the stately old man a part of him, dead to legalism.  rather than argue the point Nick as how he could experience "new birth".  Jesus had placed a finger on the deepest spiritual need in Nick's life.  Paul speaks clearly about being born again, "believe upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ".  Believe in the Savior, the Messiah!  Do you really believe?  Have you placed the Lord Jesus first and foremost in your life and surrender your heart to Him?  In all that you do are you seeking after the Kingdom of God?  In all things are you giving Him glory in word and deed?  

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

House of Prayer

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February 20, 2013

"House of Prayer"

Scripture Reading:
Acts 1:14 (HCSB) All these were continually united in prayer, along with the women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.

Devotional Reading:
To grow in your spiritual relationship in Christ, you need to associate with a solid, healthy church. How can you identify a healthy church? One of the best ways is to find one that is firmly planted in prayer.  Our 2013 prayer initiative is designed to bing awareness back to an avenue of communication the Church universal has omitted.  This is a critical indicator of a healthy church because the Christian church actually began though a prayer meeting. After Christ's resurrection, He spent 40 days with His disciples explaining what the mission of the church should be. Before He ascended to heaven, Jesus told them to go to Jerusalem and wait in the upper room. They were in the upper room for ten days—in a ten-day prayer meeting asking for God's guidance and waiting for God to lead them. God responded powerfully with the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The church actually originated from a prayer meeting of waiting on God.  Throughout scripture, we see that Jesus was quite clear that His house was to be a house of prayer. Throughout His mission on earth, Jesus regularly immersed Himself with prayer, setting the example for His followers. Jesus taught us how to pray. And His church was founded on prayer. So, you can find a healthy church by seeing how they follow the example of Jesus. A starting point of a healthy church begins with prayer.  Where can you get plugged in.  We have 19 avenues of various prayer ministry to connect you with prayer.   

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Jesus, the Way

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February 19, 2013

"Jesus, the Way"

Scripture Reading:
Exodus 20:2-3 (HCSB) I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the place of slavery.  Do not have other gods besides Me.

Devotional Reading:
Have you noticed a certain irony in America? It seems that, while America is becoming more and more secular, it is also becoming more spiritual...especially with all that is going on with the world economic conditions and crumbling governments. While America seems more and more godless, it is also becoming a land of many gods. As people recognize that there must be some higher power in life, they still rebel against the idea of any authority over their own personal lives. People want spirituality their own way, with no strings attached. But the spiritual pursuits of all these man-made gods is a dead end.  Hint: There is only one true way to God, and that is through Jesus Christ. He said that Himself in the most controversial statement He made: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."  Don't fall into the indecisive patterns of the majority. Look to Jesus Christ and find the answer to what you've been missing: the way to God, true spirituality.

 

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Wishy-Washy Religion

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February 18, 2013

"Wishy-Washy Religion"

Scripture Reading:
Matthew 10:34 (HCSB) Don’t assume that I came to bring peace on the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword

Devotional Reading:
There is a lot of focus these days on universal acceptance. This concept is a big deal to a lot of church folks. (Hey, can't we all just get along?) And to be fair, one of the core values of our church is to have a Kingdom vision for ministry. But understand this: when church folks take on the mindset that unity and acceptance is more important than truth, they have completely misunderstood the person of Jesus Christ! Because Jesus Christ is very clear that when He comes into a person's life, there will be a lack of peace in certain relationships - some are for Christ and some are not. There will be division. When we follow Christ, we're going to face ridicule, division and sometimes even persecution. There are a lot of well-intentioned Christians that get confused and are pridefully divisive in their self-righteous judgment of others. In their blindness to their own sin, they are quick to point out the sins of others. In that process, they often take on a martyr complex. "Oh, I'm being persecuted for my faith." Really? Try being a missionary in a country that hates Christians, then talk about being persecuted.

 

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

No Fear

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February 15, 2013

"No Fear"

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 23:4 (HCSB) Even when I go through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff—they comfort me

Devotional Reading:

When the line of clothing called No fear seized the market early 1990's, bumper stickers sporting the logo appeared on all cars across the Nation.  I owned a Surf Board and Bogey board made by Body Glove which sported the logo, "no fear".  It represented to me a time in my life, when I lived life with no fear and did or tried everything from jumping out of planes to scuba diving; with everything in between.  For those who are inhibited the words seemed puzzling.  No Fear?  Why not?  But the marketers knew that the designer's slogan would appeal to its street savvy customers who understood that the slogan represented gutsy, no-holds-barred approach to a life lived to the extreme. 

 

I need to point out to you, however, God had the meaning of the slogan first.  He preempted the popular slogan by several thousand years.  He's always been in the midst of your darkest hours and guiding you back to the right path when you lose your footing.  Bravado can't measure up to the heart that has learned the true meaning of having no fear.  We must exhibit a faith like Abram and just let go and let God.  It comes back to an old saying, "many are called, but few are chosen".  When God is calling you, how dare you limit Him by looking for your comfort (close to home, what type of ministry, seminary or no seminary, need to provide for family, I want/ I need, and countless other excuses).  If you have to give God excuses, then you are not chosen.  We have to live a life of no fear with an attitude of no surrender; when it comes to doing the Lord's will.  Perhaps as a former Marine this is easy for me (we never quit, never give up, never surrender and on top of all of that, we have a unique understanding:  we cannot die without permission).  Seriously though, why put God in a box to maintain your comfort and fool yourself about a calling.  Indeed an oldie but a goodie!

 

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

A Valentine

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February 14, 2013

"A Valentine"

Scripture Reading:
John 3:16 (HCSB) “For God loved the world in this way:  He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

Devotional Reading:
I thought back to my elementary school days. I remember making valentines in class. The red construction paper cut into the shape of a heart. The white lace paper that was glued around the edge. I don’t remember being too neat. I do seem to remember being excited to take it home to my mom.  I also remember filling in the to and from on valentines from the store….. for the whole class. The teacher sent home a list with every student’s name; I suspect it was probably actually a writing exercise. Sometimes, I would choose particular valentines for certain people. I especially remember searching the box of cards for the perfect valentine for that very special person… My teacher. I always started with the teacher card, doing as neat a job as I possibly could. It was important to get a good response from the teacher.  My hand writing has never improved.  Occasionally, I would mark out words on the front, not wanting any girl to get the mistaken idea. It is not my fault that my mom made me make a card for everyone…whether I liked them or not. Then on the day closest to Valentines Day we delivered them to people’s desk or boxes or bags along the wall. The girl’s mail boxes were heavily decorated with hearts and lace and lots of red. The boys just had the minimum, a name if we were allowed to get away with it.  I remember later days in high school. Ordering a flower from some school club for my sweet heart. I seem to remember spending all I had to get the best gifts and cards I could. Love can make a person do some strange things, it can make you act crazy, it can make you take risk that a sane person would never consider.

The more I thought about Love the more I remembered how much it hurt.  I hope that you can remember that painful feeling of young love. Sometimes it was hidden deep inside of you. Perhaps only exposed when you looked…at a distance toward that person that caught your eye. I guess it was called a crush.  Today’s scripture is probably the most quoted scripture ever. You see it on a sign in the bleachers on ball games. People can say it with you if you start to quote it. I would venture to guess that if you ask a random person what John 3:16 says they could give an accurate paraphrase if they have ever spent any time in church.  It is similar to a valentine; a valentine is a simplified statement of love and friendship. I can not think of a Valentine I have ever seen that would actually express the love I have for Silvia. Love is more complex than a catchy slogan on a colorful card.  Be mine, True Love, Be My valentine all fall short of how I feel. The extra price of a Hallmark card, all too often, has to do. I can only hope that the depth of my feelings is understood from the “off the rack gesture.”  The statement of the Gospel, is in simple terms you can print on a card with a lovely image and mail it to someone you want to give the hint to.  It can be whispered on a plane or at a restaurant. It can be a conversation starter, to test the waters before you jump into a full description of the love of Jesus Christ. 

But this little scripture represents a whole lot more. It is a statement that tries to explain the heart of God.  For God So loved the World, perhaps we need to address this valentine a little more personally.

For God so loved Tom…..
For God so lived Harry,
For God so lived Larry,
For God so loved Nancy,
For God so loved YOU!

That he gave his only Son,
That he gave his most precious possession,
That he gave all his money…. Baseball card collection…. Last M&M….His new 50 inch HD television.

When God loves, he places everything at risk. The love He feels for us hurts and causes physical and emotional pain.  Love makes you do some strange, risky and expensive stuff.  However, I can not think of a single person in the world that I would choose to risk Silvia or my kid’s lives for. Each of us makes a choices about what we will do for others everyday.  God chose to give his son. Folks that is expensive.   God has sent to this world a valentine, a message of the love He has for all mankind. God’s message of love is so real that He takes all the risk. His son pays the physical and emotional price and we receive eternal life.

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20

Be Still and Know... I Love You

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February 13, 2013

'Be Still and Know... "

Scripture Reading:
Psalm 46:10-11 (HCSB) "Stop your fighting-- and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth."   Yahweh of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.Selah

Devotional Reading:
Sometimes we think we are all alone.  A doctor diagnoses terminal illness.  A long-time spouse betrays us.  A friend walks away from us.  Sometimes it doesn’t take a traumatic situation, or drastic circumstance.  We can sense a time of alone-ness in everyday routine.  In fact, most people face these times because of routine.  Schedules are packed.  Daily appointments, and inconsequential events of chores and errands become so mundane there is no room for fellowship, developing relationships, or simply enjoying the presence of others.  We get too busy, right guys?  This also happens with our relationship with Jesus. We can be so busy with life, we fail to nurture the most omnipresent force in our life.  When this happens, we will naturally lose the fire in our souls, the marvel in our minds, the expectancy of miracles, the faith to move mountains and the discernment to deal with diversity. 
We feel alone.  We settle for mediocrity

Are you feeling alone?  Do you long for the depth of love others seem to experience?  Do you hunger for God’s presence to be so real you feel it through your entire being?  It’s time to set aside some time to renew your relationship, to deepen your commitment.  Not necessarily with others.   Not by taking on another job or mission endeavor in your church.  Not by reading the Bible to produce a lesson, a devotional, a reference.  No, none of these.  It’s time to “be still and know” God’s love.  Bask in the joy and the glory and the beauty of this world.  Look beyond all circumstance.  Put your mind in neutral and rest in Him.  Talk to Him.  Tell Him how lonely your feel.  Tell Him how much you long for the love that He alone provides, that He alone can restore and renew in your heart, soul and mind.  Cry out and ask Him to rain down His love upon you so that yours may “abound more in knowledge and in all judgment”.  Open the Word and read till you hear His Spirit speak to your heart.  From Him you will gain insight into those things which are excellent–the way He’d have you go.  He would not have you to be insincere with anyone, nor give any offense for which to account on the day of Christ’s return.  He wants to fill your life with the fruits of righteousness…a natural production from a heart nourished by Christ Jesus, Himself.  Sometimes we take our friendship with people for granted.  Sometimes others take ours for granted.  It’s easy to let this happen when we are so consumed with ourselves to reach beyond our needs and desires to be a friend as well as have a friend.  When this happens with our relationship with God, we need to “draw near” to Him and He “will draw near” to us.  God's love will fill our needs. 

Keep the Son in your eyes,
Pastor Ben J Lahay

Galatians 2:20